The Tim Henson Signature TOD10N is a guitar that combines acoustic and electric elements, with features such as a side SoundPort, nylon strings, fan bracing, Fishman Sonicore pickup and Ibanez AEQ210TF preamp. A bold fusion of tonalities and construction for refined performance.
Tim Henson is an American musician, best known as a founding member and guitarist of the progressive metal band Polyphia. Known for his technical skill and ability to play in a wide range of musical genres, from metal to jazz, he is skilled at incorporating elements of other musical genres into his guitar style and creating a unique and recognizable sound. He has also worked with many other artists as a session musician and producer, and with Polyphia he has released four critically acclaimed albums and played in festivals and tours around the world.
The shape of the TOD10N resembles the solid bodies of the Ibanez FR series, but it’s actually a hollow body with a thickness of only 50mm and equipped with nylon strings. It has a body with a solid Sitka spruce top, Sapele sides and back. The neck is Nyatoh with a “C” shape, and the bridge and fretboard are walnut made. The body is embellished with a Pearloid binding, while a inlay that Tim Henson renamed “Tree of Death” decorates the fretboard. The tuning system consists of classic gold-plated tuning machines, and the factory-mounted strings are D’Addario XTC45. The electronic system includes a Fishman Sonicore pickup and an Ibanez AEQ210TF preamp with an integrated tuner.
The Ibanez TOD10N acoustic/electric guitar, despite aesthetically resembling a solid body, features a traditional build similar to that of a regular classical guitar. Two deep cutaways ensure easy access to the higher frets, a perfect feature for a guitar virtuoso like Tim Henson. The walnut fretboard is adorned with an inlay called the “Tree of Death,” a reinterpretation of Ibanez’s classic “Tree of Life.” The matte black finish elegantly showcases this guitar, and the hole mounted on the side allows the guitarist to have good sound projection without sacrificing a minimalist look of the top.
It’s a guitar with strong personality, that blends together different constructional, tonal, and aesthetic approaches. The sound hole, located on the side of the body facing the musician, is designed to enhance sound projection and prevent feedback. Additionally, the TOD10N is equipped with a fan-braced system, enhancing the warm and round tones of the nylon strings. The neck with a C profile and 15.7″ radius provides fluidity and agility for tapping, hammer-ons, and pull-offs, while the headstock and tuning machines are typical of classical guitars.
The Fishman Sonicore pickup effectively captures the electro-acoustic sounds and accurately transmits every detail to the amplification system. The built-in Ibanez AEQ210TF 2-band preamp is powered by a 9V battery and provides quality sound control. In addition to a phase selector, it features Volume, Treble, and Bass controls. A fast and easy-to-read digital tuner completes the features of this instrument effectively.
In conclusion, the Tim Henson Signature TOD10N is a unique guitar that combines classical and electric guitar characteristics in an unequaled crossover. Its elegant and sleek design, with its shape reminiscent of solid bodies and its side-mounted soundhole, makes it sound like an acoustic but have the look of an electric. Its construction with a solid spruce top, Sapele sides and the Fishman Sonicore pickup in combination with the 2-band Ibanez AEQ210TF preamp, captures every shade of the sound and delivers a wide range of tones to the amplification or recording system. The ergonomics of the C-profile neck, the nylon strings and a solid body guitar feel make the TOD10N an ideal tool for delving into uncharted musical territories. Ultimately, it’s the perfect choice for musicians seeking a guitar with multiple capabilities and an original design.
On Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st May 2023, this guitar will be featured at the Ibanez booth at the Guitar Show 2023. An unmissable opportunity to try it out and discuss every aspect and technical detail with the best product specialists from the Japanese company.